Submitting information to the Special Rapporteur

The communications sent by the Special Rapporteur rely, to an important extent, on the information provided. It is therefore very important that this information be the most accurate, updated and specific as possible. In order to facilitate this, the Special Rapporteur requests that you fill out the this online form.

The Special Rapporteur encourages all stakeholders to use the online form. However if this is not possible for you, please complete the Submitting information form (English, French and Spanish versions) and return it using the contact details below.

What is the purpose of this online form?

The Special Rapporteurs seek to receive information on violations of human rights falling under their area of competence from individuals, groups, civil society organizations, NGOs, specialized agencies, Governments, United Nations bodies, and intergovernmental organizations.

The Special Rapporteur may raise concerns about the allegations received from Government and request that they clarify, make observations and comment on the matter.

What will the Special Rapporteur do with the information received?

Sending information to the Special Rapporteur through the form represents a way to gather information on alleged violations (with the aim to analyze possible trends or emerging patterns of violations of rights relevant to the Special Rapporteur’s mandate), and can also be a way to bring single cases to the attention of the Government concerned.

If the Special Rapporteur decides to act on information received, he/she sends a letter containing the information to the relevant Government to request their comments and observations on the matter. The identity of the source of the information will remain confidential at all stages. Summaries of the letters sent and the replies of the Governments are then included in the yearly report that the Special Rapporteur presents to the Human Rights Council; at this stage the information received by the Special Rapporteur is made public. In the public report, the names of victims under the age of 18 and victims of sexual violence will not be disclosed, but initials will be used.

What are some examples of specific issues that fall under the competence of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences?

Some issues that could serve as the basis for action by the mandate on Contemporary forms of Slavery, its causes and consequences, include but are not limited to:

all forms of forced labour which includes forced labour in sweatshops, in the construction industry and in agriculture,

hereditary and caste based forms of slavery

bonded labour or debt bondage

children working in slavery or slavery like conditions such as children working in mines or forced child begging

all forms of domestic servitude that affects adults and children

sexual slavery

forced or early marriage

sale of wives

Contact information

Information addressed to the Special Rapporteur can be sent by mail, fax or e-mail to: Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery